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Auriemma signs new contract to stay at UConn

The Associated Press

STORRS, Conn. — Connecticut women’s basketball coach Geno Auriemma has signed a new $10.86 million contract, a deal designed to keep him at the school through the 2017-18 season, UConn announced Wednesday.

The 59-year-old Hall of Famer, who has coached at UConn since 1985, will make $1.95 million in salary, speaking fees and media fees in the next year. That will gradually increase to $2.4 million in the final year of the five-year contract.

The move comes about three months after the school signed first-year men’s coach Kevin Ollie to a five-year deal worth just under $7 million.

“This is just a unique place and a unique situation,” Auriemma said. “I’m fortunate that I’m here and that I’ve been here at the perfect time and the perfect place.”

Auriemma also can earn a variety of bonuses based on the success of his program. He would get a half-month’s salary each time he wins a conference regular-season or tournament title; another month’s salary for making the NCAA tournament, a month’s salary each time he makes the regional semifinals and the Final Four, and two-months’ salary for a national title.

Auriemma has led the Huskies to seven national championships and 13 Final Fours. UConn has won 37 Big East regular-season or tournament championships under Auriemma.

“As I have said before, UConn has been great, is great and will be great in the future, and Geno Auriemma is a big reason for that,” UConn athletic director Warde Manuel said.